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And his experiences have been a help - rather than a hindrance - since he first stepped into the ring in 2013.

Shabir trains at the Fight Factory and recently has become a national amateur boxing champion.

He said: "There is always someone who had had it worse than me. I did have some tough times but it helped me. When I get in that ring the suffering is nothing.

"When I think about it now I wouldn't change my journey for nothing. It gave me something I couldn't get in any other way."

Jon added: "He has taught me more than I've taught him. It makes you think about your life and kids.

"You moan about certain things but then you realise your problems are pretty minimal."

'Drop him on Mars and he can make a life for himself'

Shabir has settled well into life in Gloucester. He lives in Tredworth and has been fostered by the mother of adventurer Jamie McDonald - who he says is like a brother to him.

He is currently undergoing an apprenticeship with Jon at the gym and hopes to be a personal trainer. He also coaches groups of youngsters at The Fight Factory.

Shabir said he is grateful for how welcome he has been made to feel in Gloucester.

"Everyone I've met have been really respectful. Every person I meet are becoming my family.

Shabir trains at the Fight Factory and recently has become a national amateur boxing champion.

"You do get some people who hate the sound of immigrants. But they haven't met you or know you personally. No-one just leaves their home, and country and where they were born, their home, their school, their property.

"They don't come here for fun. They come here because members of their family have died. Some are still suffering. They come here for a better life.

"I'm grateful - I'm happy for what I have. I have a good family, friends and Jon.

"In Afghanistan one moment you have a family. The next you've got no one - you're on your own. You have to be tough to survive."